I’d consider myself somewhat of a swimwear expert! I worked as the brand manager of a start-up swimwear brand when I was fresh out of college. It was an experience, to say the least, and although it wasn’t my cup of tea, I learned a lot about swimwear. That’s what inspired me to create this list of the 10 best sustainable swimwear brands.
More specifically, during my time at this swimwear company, I learned about the process of producing swimwear, and the sustainability efforts (or lack thereof) surrounding the swimwear industry. That’s what inspired me to create this list of the 10 best sustainable swimwear brands.
There are many poor practices throughout fashion production, but the companies below are rewriting what it means to be a sustainable swimwear brand. Let’s get into it.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting my site and read more about my disclosure policies here. All price ranges are accurate as of the published date of this article. Prices are subject to change.
What Is Sustainable Swimwear?
If you’re new to the sustainability game, let me quickly explain what sustainable swimwear is before we jump into it.
Sustainability consists of socially conscious practices implemented through various sectors of businesses. Depending on the industry, companies execute a variety of sustainable practices throughout their business. In regards to the fashion industry, it typically surrounds the supply chain and workers’ rights.
When it comes to sustainable swimwear, each brand has its own individual practices which I will touch on below. One thing I try to make clear whenever I talk about sustainability is that no brand is perfect. Sustainability is still a fairly “new” thing (it’s not new, brands are just starting to realize it’s important) brands are attempting to intertwine throughout their business and it takes a lot of trial and error along with money.
The important thing is that brands are consistently trying to become better instead of settling for things like “ok, we’re using recycled polyester and that’s it! Boom, we’re sustainable.” I need to see brands actively trying to be better in order for them to make it onto this list.
Now that we talked a little bit about what sustainability is, let’s dive into these amazing sustainable swimwear brands.
Summersalt
Summersalt is a brand that keeps popping up in my Instagram feed and it’s clear to see why. Not only are their swimsuits absolutely stunning, but they have implemented sustainable practices throughout their business in a variety of ways. Summersalt acknowledges that although they aren’t perfect, they are definitely making some great strides for ethical practices as often as possible.
All of Summersalt’s swimwear is made from 78% recycled polyamide from post-consumer materials and nylon wastes (think of all the waste that is pulled from the ocean). They ship all of their products in bags made from recycled materials. Their mailer is also multi-use to help reduce waste when it comes to returns.
Summersalt has instilled sustainable practices throughout their partnerships, specifically their factories. The brand does everything it can to ensure its partners are practicing environmental sustainability and ethical labor practices. Collectively, their factories have over a dozen international certifications which just goes to show that Summersalt is serious about its commitment to the environment and its people.
Read more about Summersalt’s sustainable practices here.
Price Range: $45-$125
Fisch
Fisch is an 80’s inspired sustainable swimwear brand with bold prints and high-cut silhouettes. They are dedicated to cleaning up and repurposing ghost fishing nets that linger in our oceans. Because it takes more than 600 years to break down these nets, Fisch decided to do something about that.
Throughout all of their swimwear, Fisch uses 100% regenerated nylon fiber made from ghost fishing nets and other nylon waste. Fisch keeps their production close by using a fabric mill that is located only two hours away from their factory. This helps them reduce their carbon footprint and helps their business become as environmentally friendly as possible.
Other than this, I can’t find a ton of other information on Fisch and their sustainable practices. However, I do believe that implementing ethical practices throughout their supply chain is a wonderful way to start and I look forward to seeing further initiatives Fisch is taking throughout other aspects of their company.
Read more about Fisch’s sustainable practices here.
Price Range: $97-$225
Vitamin A
Vitamin A believes in practicing sustainability throughout both its products and its business practice as a whole. The brand’s founder, Amahlia Stevens, has experience working closely with Patagonia, who is an OG in socially conscious practices. After being told by fabric supplies that there’s no market for swimwear created from recycled fibers, Amahlia decided to change that.
Amahlia created the first premium swim fabric made from recycled nylon fabrics. This was just the beginning as Vitamin A now uses a variety of socially conscious materials throughout its products. The brand even donates a portion of all its sales to environmental organizations that focus on protecting the ocean.
Vitamin A is produced locally in the United States and instills efforts throughout all of its operations in order to reduce its environmental footprint. They also use 100% recycled, recyclable and biodegradable mailers and bags for their packaging. Their bags are even backyard compostable, how cool is that?
Read more about Vitamin A’s sustainable practices here.
Price Range: $79-$265
Spell
Based in Australia, Spell has been utilizing sustainable practices throughout their business for over 5 years. It originally started as an effort to track their supply chain and use sustainable fibers in their collection but now sustainability is at the core of everything they do.
Spell has tackled various steps of creating a sustainable swimwear brand from supply chain transparency to focusing on a circular business model. The brand has deep roots in social advocacy, pledging to have at least one social advocacy initiative per collection by 2025.
Spell is also dedicated to using sustainable fibers, environmentally friendly practices throughout their print and dye houses along with giving back to local communities and organizations that aid in the health of people and the planet.
I seriously applaud this brand because they are truly taking advantage of every sector throughout their business and creating sustainable and ethical initiatives to make themselves better.
Read more about Spell’s sustainable practices here.
Price Range: $69-$179
Maaji
Maaji’s sustainable practices are built on three factors. Water, Land, and Souls. Maaji is committed to protecting water as they believe in its power of transformation, vitality, and ability to link. They are committed to protecting land, calling it the “lungs of our planet” acting as a source of nourishment. They are also committed to humans throughout their community including employees, clients, and suppliers.
Maaji’s goal is to do more throughout every step they take to become better. They take measurable steps to make a difference both locally and globally, all while being kinder to our earth and its people.
Maaji believes in making a difference every day, no matter how big or small. They lead by example and constantly take action to be better and repeat those steps throughout every aspect of their business.
The coolest part of Maaji (in my opinion) is that a majority of their swimwear products are multi-functional meaning they are able to be worn in multiple ways along with being reversible. That means you get more bang for your buck!
Read more about Maaji’s sustainable practices here.
Price Range: $58-$156
Aerie
I love Aerie so much! It’s usually where I buy all of my underwear and when I found out they have a sustainable swimwear collection I was so excited.
I’m not going to sit here and say that Aerie is the most sustainable brand ever because they are not. But the fact that they released a sustainable collection of swimwear shows that socially conscious practices are on their radar. I will definitely be keeping my eye out to see what else they have in store. I know they’re capable of making an impact, I just hope we see more of it soon.
Aerie released a new line of sustainable swimwear last year, also known as their Real Good collection, that is made from 1 million recycled plastic bottles! That’s pretty cool. Other than that, I can’t find a ton of other information on what Aerie is doing to be sustainable.
However, I am seeing information about them finding more sustainable fabrics and trims along with recycled packaging in order to reduce waste throughout their supply chain. I guess time will tell if that happens! But, for now, we can applaud them for taking the initial step to being better.
Read more about Aerie’s sustainable practices here.
Price Range: $20-$60
prAna
prAna makes a clear point in every step of their business to implement socially conscious practices. The brand believes that every change, no matter how big or small, can make a difference. Or as they put it “progress, not perfection”.
prAna uses recycled polyester and LYCRA® which allows for swimwear products to be as durable and long-lasting as possible, allowing for a longer lifespan in your closet. This eco-friendly material also allows for limited chemicals, water, and waste throughout its production cycle.
prAna is Fair Trade Certified meaning they ensure proper safety measures are in place in order to protect their employees through safe working environments, the advancement of people, and more. By 2028, prAna has a goal of having 100% of their products Fair Trade Certified.
Read more about prAna’s sustainable practices here.
Price Range: $50-$100
Wolven
Wolven is all about making sustainability sexy. The one thing I love about Wolven is that they are not only dedicated to internal sustainable practices but external as well. In order to reduce their carbon footprint, they’ve partnered with Climate Neutral to measure their greenhouse gas emissions and implement plans to reduce emissions in the future. All of Wolven’s products are carbon neutral!
Wolven also uses recycled fabrics throughout their products which are not only breathable but incredibly soft. Their recycled materials generate 79% fewer carbon emissions than its counterpart. Wolven believes in giving plastic bottles a second chance by taking BPA-free bottles, transforming them into non-toxic pellets, spinning them into yarn, and then using them to create sustainable clothing.
Wolven also uses minimal, low-impact packaging through 100% recycled poly mailers and biodegradable paper boxes. They definitely have taken into consideration every aspect of their business to create smart and sustainable decisions!
Read more about Wolven’s sustainable practices here.
Price Range: $54-$168
Marysia
Marysia’s sustainable swimwear line, SWIMCLEAN, was created after a year full of research, product testing, and many samples. This swimwear line is created from 100% certified recycled materials in order to use environmentally sustainable and ethically produced materials that are not only beautiful but high quality.
Marysia takes pride in the fact that their swimsuits will last 10+ years, allowing for a long lifestyle and an amazing cost-per-wear. This line is created from premium yarns and is made entirely of polyamide yarn that avoids chemicals that would harm the environment.
Marysia only produces in one factory which allows for them to cut out additional transportation and costs that come with sourcing at multiple factories, further proving their initiative towards sustainability.
Read more about Marysia’s sustainable practices here.
Price Range: $156-$379
Bromelia
Bromelia (love the name) is founded on supporting local artists with an emphasis on female and LGBTQ+ communities. The founder, Lauren Quinn, even moved to Brazil to learn all aspects of creating a beautiful swimsuit. The brand currently works with Brazilian artists in order to make the beautiful and ethical products they are known for.
Bromelia has focused on creating fair-paid wages and a dignified workspace all while empowering local artists. The Bromelia team is an all-female and LGBTQ+ creative team throughout every aspect from the design team, to production, and beyond.
Read more about Bromelia’s Sustainable practices here.
Price Range: $72-$182
That’s All Folks
Are you craving summer now? I know I am! Hopefully, when you’re reading this, it is summer! But for those peeps who are reading this when it’s still chilly outside, don’t worry. Summer will be here before you know it.
I hope these sustainable swimwear brands can help upgrade your bikini game along with getting you excited to hit the beach. Let me know your favorite brand in the comments below!
With love or whatever,
Hailey
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